Quiet Time Before the Big Event

As you probably remember, May 5-6 was the annual Relay for Life of the Foothills. This 24-hour event is a crucial component in the fight against cancer and is a way for “regular Joes” like us (not doctors, nurses or researchers) to make an impact against this dreaded disease.

After a flop of a Relay event last year (it wasn’t handled by us local folks), we took it back this year and organizers worked day and night to reinvigorate the event.

I’m happy to report that things went really well. Fourteen teams pitched tents on the Clark Magnet High School field and kept a team member walking for the duration of the Relay. Chairperson Molly Shelton worked closely with food and entertainment committee head Jean Maluccio to ensure that there were plenty of both during the 24 hours. Kaipo Chock, president of the CV Chamber of Commerce, oversaw security and countless others made sure the trash was taken care of, there were lights and power, there was a stage for the entertainers that was properly covered (thank you, Bonners Equipment Rentals), etc.

Putting on a fundraising event of this magnitude can be daunting especially not knowing how the weather will behave (it was hot!) or how many people will show up. Luckily, Molly gathered around her capable people who are just as passionate as she is regarding the fight against cancer. I’m already looking forward to next year!

Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to stay at Relay very long. I was up to my elbows planning the annual Prom Plus Taste of Montrose that took place on May 6. A fundraising event, Taste of Montrose showcases the many fine dining establishments we enjoy here in the foothills. This year 17 restaurants/caterers/meal preparers took part in Taste of Montrose. Because of their generosity, the event was a success. I’m particularly grateful to the Montrose Shopping Park Assn. that hangs our banner, sets up tables for people to enjoy their “tastes” and allows us to be part of its annual Kids & Kritters and Wags N Whiskers event. To say that Honolulu Avenue was a busy place would be an understatement!

This weekend is no work and all play. The 7th annual Prayer Breakfast is Saturday at 9 a.m. at St. Luke’s of the Mountains church (tickets are just $10). Supervisor Kathryn Barger is the guest speaker. The La Crescenta Woman’s Club is hosting its Salute to the Decades on Saturday night at its clubhouse, 4004 La Crescenta Ave. Guests are encouraged to dress in period garb reflecting their favorite era, plus there will be classic cars on display, appetizers, a speakeasy and music. See Mary O’Keefe’s article on page 13 for details.

Then Mother’s Day is on Sunday. Just the thought of it makes me put my feet up.

I need to rest up because next week is Prom Plus – the big event. Charly Shelton’s cover story shares with you the planning behind the event and the need for parents of school-age kids to step up and be a part of “saving lives, one prom at a time.”

  robin goldsworthy